Lighting fixture mounting systems

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments provide lighting fixture mounting kits for mounting a flat panel lighting fixture to a mounting surface. The lighting fixture mounting kits may comprise a mounting portion (e.g., a mounting plate) and a lighting fixture. The mounting portion may be secured relative to a mounting surface and may comprise mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be secured relative to the mounting portion, and may comprise fixture catches configured to selectably engage the mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be slidable relative to the mounting portion between an engaged configuration in which the fixture catches are engaged with the mounting catches; and a disengaged configuration in which the fixture catches are disengaged from the mounting catches. When in the disengaged configuration, the lighting fixture is pivotable away from the mounting portion to facilitate access to a back portion of the lighting fixture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/295,519, filed Oct. 17, 2016, which application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/196,683,filed Jun. 29, 2016 and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,047,937 on Aug. 14,2018; the contents of both of which as are incorporated herein byreference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flat panel lighting fixtures are a convenient lighting option as theycan be mounted to a mounting surface and a relatively low profilecompared to other lighting fixtures. Light emitting diode (LED) flatpanel lighting fixtures, in particular, generally cannot be mountedthrough traditional lighting fixture methods. For example, generally thelens of LED flat panel lighting fixtures is secured to the fixture.Thus, an LED flat panel lighting fixture cannot be secured to a mountingsurface through by a fastener passing through the back of the lightingfixture.

Therefore, there is a need for new and improved methods and mountingsystems for easily and securely mounting an LED flat panel lightingfixture to a mounting surface.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved methodsand mounting systems for mounting an LED flat panel lighting fixture toa mounting surface. Furthermore, the methods and mounted systemsdescribed herein may be used to mount a variety of lighting fixtures inaddition to LED flat panel lighting fixtures.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a mounting system formounting a lighting fixture is provided. In an example embodiment, themounting system comprises a mounting frame comprising a frame portionconfigured to be secured to a mounting surface; a central openingdefined by the frame portion; and one or more tabs disposed on the frameportion and each configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot ofthe lighting fixture. When the frame portion is secured to the mountingsurface a junction box is accessible through the central opening.

In example embodiments, the mounting system further comprises a lightingfixture. The lighting fixture comprises a fixture frame disposed about aperimeter of a back portion of the lighting fixture. The fixture framecomprises one or more slots; and one or more support rail. Each of theone or more slots provides through a portion of one of the one or moresupport rails. In example embodiments, the lighting fixture is generallyrectangular. In example embodiments, each of the one or more slots isconfigured to receive one of the one or more tabs therein such that thetab may slide into a tab recess defined at least in part by one of theone or more support rails. In example embodiments, the tab recess isfurther defined at least in part by the fixture frame, the back portionof the lighting fixture, or both. In example embodiments, either (a) adefining surface of the tab recess is shaped, (b) a wedge defined on thetab is shaped, or (c) both such that as the tab is slide into the tabrecess, a space between the mounting surface and the back portion of thelighting fixture is reduced. In an example embodiment, one or more tabsare configured to engage the one or more support rails so as to securethe lighting fixture to the mounting surface. In an example embodiment,the mounting frame further comprises one or more frame cables and thelighting fixture further comprises one or more fixture cables andwherein a frame cable is configured to be secured to a correspondingfixture cable.

In an example embodiment, the mounting frame comprises a pair of firstframe portions and a pair of second frame portions. The pair of firstframe portions comprises two elongated first frame portions that aregenerally parallel with one another. The pair of second frame portionscomprises two elongated second frame portions that are generallyparallel with one another. The pair of first frame portions and the pairof second frame portions are secured to each other such that each firstframe portion is secured to one of the second frame portions at one endand the other of the second frame portions at an opposite end to form aquadrilateral. Additionally, the central opening is defined as aninterior of the quadrilateral. In example embodiments, each of thesecond frame portions comprises a tab portion on each end of theelongated second frame portion; and the tab portions extend outwardlyfrom an exterior perimeter of the quadrilateral.

In example embodiments, when the mounting frame is secured to a mountingsurface, the mounting frame need not be centered about the junction box.In an example embodiment, the mounting frame is configured to be securedto a mounting surface by one or more mechanical fasteners.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting fixturemounting kit for mounting a flat panel lighting fixture to a mountingsurface is provided. In an example embodiment, the lighting fixturemounting kit comprises a mounting frame and a lighting fixture. Themounting frame comprises a frame portion configured to be secured to amounting surface; and a central opening defined by the frame portion.When the frame portion is secured to the mounting surface, a junctionbox is accessible through the central opening. The mounting frame isshaped for engagement and attachment with a lighting fixture. Thelighting fixture comprises a fixture frame disposed about a perimeter ofa back portion of the lighting fixture. The fixture frame is shaped forengagement and attachment with the mounting frame.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture mounting kit furthercomprises a mounting harness. In an example embodiment, the mountingharness comprises one or more fixture cables; and one or more framecables. At least one of said one or more fixture cables is configured tobe secured to a corresponding one of the one or more frame cables.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a mountingsystem for mounting a lighting fixture is provided. In an exampleembodiment, the mounting system comprises a mounting plate. The mountingplate may comprise a plate portion configured to be secured to amounting surface; one or more mounting tabs disposed on the plateportion and configured to secure the lighting fixture to the mountingplate and extending outwardly from a plane defined by the plate portion;and one or more indexing tabs configured to be aligned withcorresponding one or more indexing slots of the lighting fixture andextending outwardly from the plane defined by the plate portion.

In example embodiments, the mounting system further comprises a lightingfixture. The lighting fixture may comprise a back portion having thereinone or more mounting slots and one or more indexing slots, wherein eachmounting slot is configured to receive a mounting tab therein and eachindexing slot is configured to receive an indexing tab therein such thatinsertion of the indexing tab into the indexing slot guides thealignment of at least one of the one or more mounting tabs to thecorresponding one of the one or more mounting slots. In exampleembodiments, one side of the lighting fixture is secured to the mountingplate by a hinge. In example embodiments, the hinge allows the lightingfixture to (a) rotate with respect to the mounting plate at leastpartially about an axis defined by the hinge and (b) translate, withrespect to the mounting plate, along at least a portion of the axis. Inexample embodiments, at least one of the one or more mounting tabscomprises a locking portion. In example embodiments the back portion ofthe lighting fixture further comprises at least one locking slotcorresponding to a mounting slot. The locking slot is configured toreceive the locking portion of the corresponding mounting tab such thatthe mounting tab is fixedly secured within the corresponding mountingslot. In example embodiments, the one or more indexing tabs are notconfigured to suspend the lighting fixture therefrom.

In example embodiments, the one or more indexing tabs extend outwardfrom the mounting plate farther than the one or more mounting tabs. Inexample embodiments, at least one of the one or more mounting tabs isreinforced by (a) an angle reinforcement configured to maintain theangle between the mounting tab and the plate portion, (b) an elongatedreinforcement configured to reduce bending of the mounting tab along anelongated portion of the mounting tab, or both.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a lightingfixture mounting kit for mounting a flat panel lighting fixture to amounting surface is provided. In an example embodiment, the lightingfixture mounting kit comprises a mounting plate and a lighting fixture.The mounting plate comprises a plate portion configured to be secured toa mounting surface; and one or more indexing tabs configured to bealigned with corresponding one or more indexing slots of the lightingfixture and extending outwardly from the plane defined by the plateportion. The mounting plate is shaped for engagement and attachment withthe lighting fixture. The lighting fixture comprises a back portionhaving therein the one or more indexing slots. The back portion isshaped for engagement and attachment with the mounting plate. Eachindexing slot is configured to receive an indexing tab therein such thatinsertion of the indexing tab into the indexing slot guides theengagement of the lighting fixture with the mounting plate.

In an example embodiment, the lighting fixture mounting kit furthercomprises a hinge configured to connect one side of the mounting plateto one side of the lighting fixture. In an example embodiment, the hingecomprises one or more hinge mounting tabs, one or more hinge indexingtabs, or both.

Various embodiments are directed to a mounting system for mounting alighting fixture. In certain embodiments, the mounting system comprisesa mounting portion configured to be secured relative to a mountingsurface, wherein the mounting portion comprises one or more mountingcatches; and a lighting fixture secured relative to the mountingportion, wherein the lighting fixture comprises one or more fixturecatches configured to selectably engage the one or more mountingcatches. In various embodiments, the lighting fixture is slidablerelative to the mounting portion between: an engaged configuration inwhich the one or more fixture catches are engaged with the one or moremounting catches; and a disengaged configuration in which the one ormore fixture catches are disengaged from the one or more mountingcatches. In certain embodiments, the lighting fixture is pivotablerelative to the mounting portion when in the disengaged configuration.

Moreover, in certain embodiments, the lighting fixture is pivotableabout a first axis relative to the mounting portion when in thedisengaged configuration; and the lighting fixture is may be slidablerelative to the mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to thefirst axis. In certain embodiments, the lighting fixture is slidablerelative to the mounting portion in a direction substantially parallelto the mounting surface. Moreover, the lighting fixture may be securedrelative to the mounting portion by at least one mounting arm, whereinthe mounting portion is pivotably secured at a first end of the at leastone mounting arm and the lighting fixture is pivotably secured at asecond end of the at least one mounting arm. Moreover, the mountingportion may be slidably secured at the first end of the at least onemounting arm. Moreover, the lighting fixture may be secured relative tothe mounting portion by at least one mounting harness.

In various embodiments, the lighting fixture is detachably securedrelative to the mounting portion. Moreover, in certain embodiments, themounting portion is configured to be secured to at least one of ajunction box secured within the support surface or a can light securedwithin the support surface. In various embodiments, the one or moremounting catches are configured to bias the lighting fixture toward thesupport surface when in the engaged configuration. In certainembodiments, the one or more mounting catches comprise one or morelocking features configured to bias the lighting fixture into theengaged configuration. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the mountingportion defines at least one guide rail, and wherein the lightingfixture is slidable along the guide rail relative to the mountingportion. In various embodiments, the mounting portion may be one of amounting plate or a mounting frame. In certain embodiments, the lightingfixture is generally rectangular.

Moreover, various embodiments are directed to a method for mounting alighting fixture relative to a support surface. In certain embodiments,the method comprises steps for: (i) securing a mounting portion relativeto a support surface, wherein the mounting portion comprises one or moremounting catches; (ii) pivoting a lighting fixture secured relative tothe mounting portion from a first position to a second position at leastsubstantially parallel to the support surface; and (iii) sliding thelighting fixture relative to the mounting portion from the secondposition to a third position in which the one or more fixture eyes areengaged with the one or more mounting catches. Moreover, variousembodiments comprise steps for electrically connecting the lightingfixture with a power source.

In various embodiments, pivoting the lighting fixture relative to themounting portion comprises pivoting the lighting fixture about a firstaxis and sliding the lighting fixture relative to the mounting portioncomprises sliding the lighting fixture in a direction at leastsubstantially perpendicular to the first axis. In certain embodiments,the method additionally comprises steps for securing the lightingfixture relative to the mounting portion. Moreover, in certainembodiments, the lighting fixture is pivotably secured to at least onemounting arm. In such embodiments securing the lighting fixture relativeto the mounting portion may comprise steps for securing the at least onemounting arm to the mounting portion. Moreover, in various embodiments,securing the mounting portion relative to the support surface comprisesone of: securing the mounting portion to a junction box secured withinthe support surface or securing the mounting portion to a can lightsecured within the support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of a mounting system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of elements of a mounting system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture secured to a mountingframe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of a mounting frame secured to a mounting surface, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show a front view, a side view, and across-sectional view, respectively, of a second frame portion of amounting frame, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B shows perspective views of a lighting fixture beingmounted to a mounting frame using a mounting harness, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating various operations and procedures formounting a lighting fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of a mounting system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of an indexing tab and indexingslot being aligned, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a back view of a lighting fixture, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C provide a perspective view, side view, and across-sectional view of a mounting tab, in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A provides a perspective view of another embodiment of a mountingplate;

FIG. 12B provides a cross-section of a portion of the embodiment of themounting plate shown in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C provides a back view of a lighting fixture configured to bemounted using the mounting plate shown in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D provides a cross section of a portion of the mounting systemshown in FIGS. 12A and 12D;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of still another embodiment of amounting system;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a lightingfixture being mounted to a mounting surface by a mounting plate;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating various operations and proceduresfor mounting a lighting fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a lightingfixture being mounted to a mounting surface by a mounting plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

General Overview

Example embodiments of the present invention provide mounting systemsand corresponding methods for mounting a lighting fixture to a mountingsurface. In example embodiments, a mounting surface may be a ceiling orother substantially horizontal surface, or a wall or other substantiallyvertical surface. In example embodiments, of a mounting system comprisea mounting bracket that is configured to be mounted to a mountingsurface. In example embodiments, the mounting bracket may be a mountingframe or a mounting plate. The mounting system may further comprise alighting fixture configured to be secured to the mounting bracket. Inexample embodiments, the lighting fixture may be secured to the mountingbracket through various mechanisms such as snap in, slide in, and/ortwist and lock mechanisms. For example, the mounting bracket maycomprise one or more tabs configured to be inserted into one or morecorresponding slots disposed on a back portion of the lighting fixture.In one embodiment, one or more tabs are disposed on the back portion ofthe lighting fixture and one or more corresponding slots are disposed inthe mounting bracket.

Exemplary Mounting Frame Mounting System

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate various views of a mounting system 100comprising a mounting frame 101 and a lighting fixture 200 and FIG. 4illustrates a mounting frame 101 secured to a mounting surface 705. Themounting frame 101 may be configured to be secured to a mounting surface705 such that a junction box 710 is accessible through a central opening105 of the mounting frame 101. The mounting frame 101 may be configuredto securely suspend the lighting fixture 200 therefrom. In yet otherembodiments, mounting frame 101 may be configured to be secured relativeto a can light (e.g., via a detachable can light adapter bracket asdiscussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/720,334, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

Exemplary Lighting Fixture 200

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 is a flat panellighting fixture. In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 maycomprise one or more LED chips, LED modules, LED packages, LED lightingengine, and/or other lighting engine. For example, in some embodiments,the lighting fixture 200 is an LED flat panel lighting fixture. Inexample embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 may be rectangular oroval-shaped, though other shapes are also considered.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 may comprise a wireopening 205 disposed on the back portion 210 of the lighting fixture200. The wire opening 205 may be configured to allow connecting wires207 pass therethrough. In example embodiments, the connecting wires 207are configured to electrically connect the lighting fixture 200 to apower supply (e.g., line voltage). For example, the connecting wires 207may be configured to secured into electrical communication (e.g., with aquick connect connector, wire nuts, and/or the like) with wires 715 of ajunction box 710 and/or a can light, and thereby provide line voltage tothe lighting fixture 200.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 may comprise drivercircuitry 230. For example, the connecting wires 207 may electricallyconnect the driver circuitry 230 to a power supply. For example, thedriver circuitry 230 may comprise a circuit portion configured toconvert AC voltage into DC voltage. In some embodiments, the drivercircuitry 230 may comprise a circuit portion configured to control thecurrent flowing through the one or more LED chips. In certainembodiments, the driver circuitry 230 may comprise a circuit portionconfigured to dim the lighting fixture 200. In various embodiments,additional circuit components may be present in the driver circuitry230. Similarly, in various embodiments, all or some of the circuitportions mentioned here may not be present in the driver circuitry 230.In some embodiments, circuit portions listed herein as separate circuitportions may be combined into one circuit portion. As should beappreciated, a variety of driver circuitry 230 configurations aregenerally known and understood in the art and any of such may beemployed in various embodiments as suitable for the intendedapplication, without departing from the scope of the present invention.In example embodiments, the driver circuitry 230 may be disposed outsideof the fixture frame 201.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200 may comprise a fixtureframe 201 and a back portion 210. In example embodiments, the backportion 210 is the side of the lighting fixture 200 opposite the portionof lighting fixture configured to provide and/or project light. Inexample embodiments, the fixture frame 201 may be disposed about aperimeter of the back portion 210. In example embodiments, the fixtureframe 201 and/or back portion 210 may be made of plastic, aluminum, orother lightweight, rigid material appropriate for the application. Inexample embodiments, the fixture frame 201 may be configured and/orshaped for engagement and attachment with a mounting frame 101 (e.g.,the frame portion 110, tabs 115, and/or the like).

The fixture frame 201 may comprise one or more support rails 220. Theone or more support rails may be configured to support the lightingfixture 200 when the lighting fixture is suspended form one or more tabs115 of a mounting frame 101. In example embodiments wherein the lightingfixture 200 defines an elongated axis A (e.g., parallel to the longerside of a rectangle or the major axis of an ellipse), the support rails220 may be parallel to the elongated axis A. In example embodiments, thelighting fixture 200 comprises two support rails 220 and a first supportrail 220 defines a first axis that is parallel to a second axis definedby the second support rail 220. For example, both the first axis and thesecond axis may be parallel to the elongated axis A and/or another axisof the lighting fixture 200. In some embodiments, the lighting fixture200 may not have an elongated axis (e.g., the lighting fixture 200 maybe square, round, hexagonal, and/or the like) or the support rails 220may be parallel to a non-elongated axis of the lighting fixture 200(e.g., a minor axis and/or the like). In an example embodiment havingtwo support rails 220, the support rails 200 may be spaced apart by morethan 50% of the width of the lighting fixture 200. For example, thefirst support rail 220 may be disposed along one edge of a perimeter ofthe back portion 210 and the second support rail 220 may be disposedalong an opposite edge of the perimeter of the back portion 210.

In example embodiments, a support rail 220 may comprise one or moreslots 215 therein. Each slot 215 may provide access to a tab recess 217configured to receive a tab 115 of the mounting frame 101 therein. Theone or more support rails 220 may have one or more slots 215 thereinproviding access to one or more tab recesses 217. For example, thelighting fixture 200 may comprise two support rails 200 and each supportrail 200 may comprise two slots 215. Each slot 215 may correspond to atab recess 217. In example embodiments, each tab recess may define a tabaxis and each tab axis may be parallel to the first and second axesdefined by the first and second support rails 220. Each tab recess 217may be at least in part defined by a support rail 220, the back portion210, and/or another portion of the fixture frame 201. In an exampleembodiment, each tab recess 217 at least partially defined by a supportrail 220 is equidistant from a center point of the support rail 220. Inanother example embodiment, the tab recesses 217 are equally spacedalong the support rail 220. For example, if a support rail 220 at leastpartially defines two tab recesses 217 and a first tab recess 217 is adistance d from a first end of the support rail 220, the second tabrecess 217 is a distance d from the opposite end of the support rail220.

In various embodiments, a surface of the tab recess 217 may be contouredsuch that as a tab 115 is slid into the tab recess 217 from thecorresponding slot 215, a component of the tab's 115 movement isparallel to the support rail 220 that at least partially defines the tabrecess 217 and another component of the tab's 115 movement isperpendicular to the support rail 220 such that the tab 115 moves closerto the back portion 210 as it is slides into the tab recess 217. Forexample, as the tab 115 is slid into the tab recess 217, the lightingfixture 200 may be pulled closer to the mounting surface to which themounting frame 101 is secured by the contour of at least one surface ofthe tab recess 217.

Exemplary Mounting Frame 101

In example embodiments, the mounting frame 101 comprises a frame portion110 configured to be secured to a mounting surface. For example, theframe portion may be secured to a mounting surface 705 by one or moremechanical fasteners 130 (e.g., screws, nails, bolts). In exampleembodiments, the frame portion 110 may be generally rectangular inshape. In some embodiments, the frame portion 110 may be shapedsimilarly to the lighting fixture 200. In example embodiments, themounting frame 101 and/or the frame portion 110 may be configured and/orshaped for engagement and attachment with the lighting fixture 200(e.g., the fixture frame 201).

The frame portion 110 may define a central opening 105. When the frameportion is mounted to a mounting surface 705, a junction box 710 (e.g.,the junction box wires 715) may be accessible through the centralopening 105. Generally a mounting bracket is centered on a junction boxsuch that the lighting fixture mounted by the mounting bracket iscentered on the junction box. Indeed, generally the mounting bracket maybe secured to the junction box. However, the mounting frame 101 is notsecured to the junction box and need not be centered on the junction box710. Indeed, the junction box 710 may be located in a corner of thecentral opening 105, as shown in FIG. 4. Rather than centering themounting frame 101 over the junction box 710, the mounting frame 101 maybe mounted such that the junction box 710 (e.g., the junction box wires715) is accessible through some portion of the central opening 105.Thus, the mounting frame 101 of the present invention provides aninstaller of the lighting fixture 100 a greater amount of flexibilityregarding where to mount the lighting fixture 100 with respect to thejunction box 710 and mounting surface 705. For example, an installer maychoose to mount the lighting fixture 100 further from a wall wherepreviously the junction box 710 location would have forced the installerto mount the lighting fixture 100 closer to the wall than desired or tooclose to the wall for the lighting fixture 100 to fit.

Moreover, as discussed herein, frame portion 110 may be secured relativeto a can light, for example, via a detachable can light adapter bracketas discussed herein. For example, the frame portion 110 may beconfigured to be secured relative to a detachable can light adapterportion (e.g., via one or more fasteners) such that the frame portion110 may be secured relative to a can light. In various embodiments, theframe portion 110 may be configured to be secured relative to a junctionbox 710 and/or support surface when the can light adapter portion isremoved. For example, frame portion 110 may comprise one or morebrackets configured to be secured relative to a junction box, such asthose described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/272,645, filed onSep. 22, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. In such embodiments, the frame portion maycomprise one or more brackets configured to be secured relative to ajunction box and/or relative to one or more can light adapter bracketsconfigured to secure the frame portion relative to a can light.

In example embodiments, the frame portion 110 comprises a pair of firstframe portions 125 and a pair of second frame portions 120. Each of thefirst frame portions 125 may be an elongated frame portion. For example,the first frame portion 125 may be generally rectangular in shape. Forexample, the first frame portion 125 may be made of aluminum or otherlightweight metal or material appropriate for the application. The firstframe portion 125 may be relatively thin. In example embodiments, thefirst frame portion 125 may be approximately an eighth of an inch to aquarter of an inch thick. In other embodiments, the first frame portion125 may be thinner than an eighth of an inch (e.g., a sixteenth of aninch) or thicker than a quarter of an inch (e.g., three-eighths of aninch). In example embodiments, the length of the first frame portion 125is approximately six inches to twenty inches. For example, the firstframe portion 125 may be one foot long. In other embodiments, the firstframe portion 125 may be shorter or longer as appropriate for theapplication. In example embodiments, the first frame portion 125 isapproximately half an inch to three inches wide. First frame portions125 of other widths may be used as appropriate for the application.

Each of the second frame portions 120 may be an elongated frame portion.For example, the second frame portion 120 may be generally rectangularin shape. For example, the second frame portion 120 may be made ofaluminum or other lightweight metal or material appropriate for theapplication. The second frame portion 120 may be relatively thin, butthicker than the first frame portion 125. For example, at least aportion of the second frame portion 120 may be a quarter of an inch tohalf an inch thick, though in other embodiments, the second frameportion 120 may be thicker or thinner as appropriate for theapplication. In example embodiments, the length of the second frameportion 120 is approximately six inches to twenty inches. For example,the second frame portion 120 may be nine inches long. In someembodiments, the second frame portion 120 is shorter than the firstframe portion 120. In example embodiments, the second frame portion 120is approximately half an inch to three inches wide. Second frameportions 120 of other widths may be used as appropriate for theapplication.

In some embodiments, the second frame portion 120 is a solid piece ofmaterial and in other embodiments, the second frame portion 120 maycomprise, for example, a one eighth inch thick sheet of metal that hasbeen bent to create three sides of a rectangular prism. For example,FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show an example embodiment of a second frameportion 120. For example, the second frame portion 120 may comprise amain portion 122, an inner bent portion 123 and an outer bent portion124. For example, the inner bent portion 123 and the outer bent portion124 may extend outward from the main portion 122. For example, the innerbent portion 123 and the outer bent portion 124 may be approximatelynormal to the main portion 122. The inner bent portion 123 may notextend as far along the length of the second frame portion 120 to allowthe first frame portion 120 to overlap with the main portion 122 of thesecond frame portion 120. In example embodiments, the length of theouter bent portion 124 may be configured such that the outer bentportion 124 does not get caught on the supporting rail 220 as thelighting fixture 200 is being mounted on to the mounting bracket 101.For example, the maximum length of the outer bent portion 124 may bedetermined by the distance W between the interior edges of thesupporting rails 220 (e.g., along an axis perpendicular to the elongatedaxis A of the lighting fixture 200), as shown in FIG. 1. The inner andout bent portions 123, 124 may be configured to add structural integrityto the second frame portion 120 and the frame portion 110. In exampleembodiments, the second frame portion 120 may further comprise one ormore fastener holes 132 configured to receiving a fastener 130therethrough such that the fastener 130 may secure the second frameportion and/or the mounting frame 101 to the mounting surface 705.

The second frame portion 120 may further comprise one or more tabs 115.For example, at each end of the elongated frame portion, the secondframe portion 120 may comprise a tab 115. For example, the outer andinner bent portions 123, 124 may not extend along the entire length ofthe main portion 122 such that at least one end portion of the secondframe portion 120 only comprises the main portion 122. This end portionof the second frame portion 120 is a tab 115. The tabs 115 may beconfigured to be slide through a slot 215 into a tab recess 217 of thelighting fixture 200. For example, the tabs 115 may be configured tosuspend the lighting fixture 200 therefrom by engaging a support rail220 or other surface of the tab recess 217.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the tab 115 comprises a wedge117. The wedge 117 may be configured to pull the lighting fixture 200toward the mounting frame 101 and/or the mounting surface 705 as the tab115 is slid into the tab recess 217. For example, the wedge 117 mayengage a portion of the fixture frame 201 or back portion 210, causingthe lighting fixture 200 to be pulled toward the mounting frame 101and/or the mounting surface 705. In an example embodiment, the wedge 117is approximately one-eighth of an inch thick at the widest part of thewedge. For example, the wedge 117 may be configured to reduce the gapbetween the lighting fixture 200 and the mounting surface 705 by up toapproximately one-eighth of an inch. The wedge 117 may have a maximumthickness of more or less than one-eighth of an inch in variousembodiments, as appropriate for the application.

Each first frame portion 125 may be configured to be fixedly secured totwo second frame portions 120. For example, each end of the elongatedfirst frame portion may be configured to be fixedly secured to a secondframe portion 120. Similarly, each second frame portion 120 may beconfigured to be fixedly secured to two first frame portions 125. Forexample, a pair of first frame portions 125 and a pair of second frameportions 120 may be fixedly secured together to form a quadrilateral.For example, the pair of first frame portions 125 and the pair of secondframe portions 120 may be fixedly secured together to form a rectangle.For example, a pair of first frame portions 125 and a pair of secondframe portions 120 may be fixedly secured to one another to define aquadrilateral and/or rectangular central opening 105. In exampleembodiments, the tabs 115 may extend outward from an exterior perimeterof the quadrilateral and/or rectangle formed by fixedly securing thefirst pair of first frame portions 125 to the pair of second frameportions 120 and lie in approximately the same plane as thequadrilateral and/or rectangle. For example, the tabs 115 may extendoutward from the quadrilateral and/or rectangle approximately a quarterof an inch to two inches. In example, embodiments, a first frame portion125 may be secured to a second frame portion 120 by a weld 128, amechanical fastener, and/or the like.

When the mounting frame 101 is secured to the mounting surface 705, aside of the first frame portions 125 may be flush against the mountingsurface 705. In some embodiments, an edge surface of the inner bentportion 123 and an edge surface of the outer bent portion 124 are flushagainst the mounting surface 705. In example embodiments, a gap mayexist between a tab 115 and the mounting surface 705, such that asupport rail 220 of the lighting fixture 200 may be slid between the taband the mounting surface 705 with the lighting fixture is secured to themounting frame 101. In some embodiments, the tab 115 defines a planethat is generally parallel to a plane defined by the mounting surface705 when the mounting frame 101 is secured to the mounting surface 705.

Exemplary Mounting Harness

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example embodiment of a mounting system100′ comprising a mounting harness 150. In example embodiments, amounting harness 150 comprises a frame cable 155 secured to a mountingframe 101′ and a fixture cable 165 secured to a lighting fixture 200′.The frame cable 155 and the fixture cable 165 may be secured to oneanother by loop 156 and clip 166. For example, the loop 156 may beinserted into clip 166 to secure the frame cable 155 to the fixturecable 165. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip 166 is attached tothe fixture cable 165. In other embodiments, the clip 166 is attached tothe frame cable 155. In example embodiments, a mounting harness 150 maycomprise two sets of fixture and frame cables 155, 165. For example, amounting harness 150 may be configured to secure two different cornersof mounting system 101′ to the corresponding two corners of a lightingfixture 200′.

In example embodiments, the mounting frame 101′ may be a mounting frame101 having one or more frame cables 155 secured thereto. For example, aframe cable 155 may be secured to an outer bent portion 124. Forexample, a screw 154 may secure a loop 152 of the frame cable 155 to anouter bent portion 124 or other portion of the mounting frame 101′. Invarious embodiments the one or more frame cables 155 may be secured tothe mounting frame 101′ by various methods, as appropriate for theapplication.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 200′ may be a lightingfixture 200 having one or more fixture cables 165 secured thereto. Forexample, a fixture cable 165 may be secured to the support rail 220 orother portion of the fixture frame 201. For example a screw 164 mysecure a loop 162 of the fixture cable 165 to a support rail 220 orother portion of the fixture frame 201. In various embodiment the one ormore fixture cables 165 may be secured to the lighting fixture 200′ byvarious methods, as appropriate for the application.

In various embodiments, the mounting harness 150 may be configured toallow a single installer to mount the lighting fixture 200′. Forexample, the mounting harness 150 may support the weight of the lightingfixture 200′ while an electrical connection is made between theconnecting wires 207 and the junction box wires 715. In an exampleembodiment, the length of the combined cable (e.g., the fixture cable165 secured to the corresponding frame cable 155) may be approximatelynine inches. In other embodiments, the length of the combined cable maybe shorter or longer than nine inches as appropriate for theapplication. In various embodiments, the mounting harness 150 may beleft intact (e.g., the fixture cable 165 may continue to be secured tothe corresponding frame cable 155) when the lighting fixture 200′ issecured to the mounting frame 101′.

Mounting a Lighting Fixture with a Mounting Frame

FIG. 7 provides a flowchart illustrating processes and procedures forinstalling a lighting fixture 200, 200′ using the mounting system 100,100′. Starting at step 302, the installer(s) may secure the mountingframe 101, 101′ to the mounting surface 705. For example, an installermay secure the mounting frame 101, 101′ to the mounting surface 705 withone or more fasteners 130 secured to the surface 705 such that thejunction box 710 (e.g., the junction box wires 715) are accessiblethrough the central opening 105. As discussed herein, in certainembodiments, the installer may secure the mounting frame 101, 101′relative to a can light. In such embodiments, the installer may securethe can light adapter portion relative to the mounting frame 101, 101′,and may secure the can light adapter portion with the secured mountingframe, relative to an existing can light fixture within a supportsurface. For example, the can light adapter portion may be configured tosnap into can light, as discussed in previously mentioned applicationSer. No. 14/720,334.

Optionally, at step 304, the installer(s) may mechanically connect thelighting fixture 200′ to the mounting frame 101′ using a mountingharness 150. For example, the installer(s) may secure one or more framecables 155 to corresponding one or more fixture cables 165. The lightingfixture 200′ may be allowed to hang from the attached frame and fixturecables 155, 165, allowing the installer(s) to access the connectingwires 207 and the junction box wires 715 while the lighting fixture 200′is held in an appropriate position for an electrical connection to bemade between the connecting wires 207 and the junction box wires 715.Thus, use of the mounting harness 150 may allow a single installer toefficiently and safely mount the lighting fixture 200′ to the mountingsurface 705.

At step 306, the installer(s) may electrically connect the lightingfixture 200, 200′ to a power supply. For example, the installer(s) mayelectrically connect the connecting wires 207 to the junction box wires715 (and/or a can light electrical connector, socket, and/or the like)so as to provide line voltage to the driver circuitry 230 and/or otherelectrical components of the lighting fixture 200, 200′. For example,the installer may electrically connect the connecting wires 207 to thejunction box wires 715 with quick connect connectors, wire nuts, and/orthe like. In example embodiments, the connecting wires 207 may beconfigured such that the portion of the connecting wires 207 that makesthe electrical connection to the junction box wires 715 may bepositioned within the junction box 710 after the electrical connectionhas been made.

At step 308, the slots 215 of the lighting fixture 200, 200′ may bealigned with the tabs 115 of the mounting frame 101, 101′. For example,the installer(s) may align the slots 215 of the lighting fixture 200with the tabs 115 of the mounting frame 101, 101′.

At step 310, the lighting fixture 200, 200′ may be slid such that eachtab 115 slides into a corresponding tab recess 217 through thecorresponding slot 215. For example, the installer(s) may slide thelighting fixture 200, 200′ such that each tab 115 slides into acorresponding tab recess 217 through the corresponding slot 215. Inexample embodiments, as the lighting fixture 200, 200′ is slid such thatthe tabs 115 slide into the corresponding tab recesses 217, the lightingfixture 200, 200′ may be pulled toward the mounting surface 705. Forexample, based on the contour of the tab recesses 217 and/or the wedge117, a component of the lighting fixtures 200, 200′ movement may beparallel to the length of the lighting fixture 200, 200′ and/or theelongated axis A and another component of the lighting fixture's 200movement is perpendicular to the elongated axis A and toward themounting surface 705. For example, as the tab 115 is slid into the tabrecess 217, the lighting fixture 200, 200′ may be pulled closer to themounting surface 705 to which the mounting frame 101 is secured by thecontour of at least one surface of the tab recess 217 and/or the wedge117. For example, due to the contour of a defining surface of each ofthe tab recesses 217 or the wedge 117, as the tabs 115 are slid into thecorresponding tab recesses 217, a space between the mounting surface 705and the back portion 210 of the lighting fixture 200, 200′ is reduced.

Exemplary Mounting Plate Mounting System

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate various views of a mountingsystem 400 comprising a mounting plate 401 and a lighting fixture 500.The mounting plate 401 may comprise one or more indexing tabs 420configured to be aligned with one or more indexing slots 520 disposed onback portion 510 of a lighting fixture 500. The indexing tabs 420 andindexing slots 520 may be configured to allow an installer to easilyalign the mounting tabs 415 to the mounting slots 515 to secure thelighting fixture 500 to the mounting plate 401. The mounting plate 401may be configured to securely suspend the lighting fixture 500therefrom.

Exemplary Lighting Device 500

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 500 is a flat panellighting fixture. In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 500 maycomprise one or more LED chips, LED modules, LED packages, LED lightingengine, and/or other lighting engine. For example, in some embodiments,the lighting fixture 500 is an LED flat panel lighting fixture. Inexample embodiments, the lighting fixture 500 may be rectangular orsquare, though other shapes are also considered.

In example embodiments, the lighting fixture 500 comprises a backportion 510. The back portion 510 may be made of plastic, aluminum, orother appropriate material. In example embodiments, the back portion 510may be configured and/or shaped for engagement and attachment with amounting plate 401. In example embodiments, the back portion 510 maycomprise one or more mounting slots 515, one or more locking slots 517,and/or one or more indexing slots 520. For example, one or more mountingslots 515, one or more locking slots 517, and/or one or more indexingslots 520 may be disposed in the back portion 510. For example, one ormore mounting slots 515, one or more locking slots 517, and/or one ormore indexing slots 520 may extend through the back portion 510 of thelighting fixture 500.

In example embodiments, a mounting slot 515 may be configured to receivetherethrough a mounting tab 415. For example, in one embodiment, amounting slot may measure approximately 4.8 mm by 28 mm, although othersized slots may be used as appropriate for the application. For example,a mounting tab 415 may be inserted into the mounting slot 515 and sliduntil a locking portion 417 of the mounting tab 415 engages the lockingslot 517. In example embodiments, the locking slot 517 may be configuredto receive therethrough a locking portion 417 of a mounting tab 415. Inexample embodiments, the locking slot 517 may be similar in width to themounting slot 515, but shorter in length. In example embodiments, themounting slot 515 and the locking slot 517 are configured such that whenthe locking portion 417 of the mounting tab 415 is engaged within thelocking slot 517, the mounting tab 415 is securely engaged with the backportion 510 of the lighting fixture 500 such that the lighting fixture500 may be securely suspended from the mounting plate 401.

In example embodiments, the back portion 510 may further comprise one ormore indexing slots 520. In example embodiments, an indexing slot 520 isconfigured to receive an indexing tab 420 therein. In exampleembodiments, the indexing tab 420 does not engage the indexing slot 520to suspend or partially suspend the lighting fixture 500 therefrom.Rather, the indexing slot is configured to receiving an indexing tab 420therein to aid the installer(s) in aligning the mounting tabs 415 andthe mounting slots 515. In example embodiments, the indexing slots 520may be longer than the corresponding indexing tab 420 such that theindexing tab 420 may be slid along the indexing slot 520 when themounting tab 415 is slid into the mounting slot 515 and into engagementwith the locking slot 517. For example, the length of the indexing slot520 may be determined such that when the indexing tab 420 is positionedat a first end of the indexing slot 520, a mounting tab 415 is alignedwith a mounting slot 515 and when the indexing tab 420 is positioned atan opposite end of the indexing slot 520, the locking portion 417 mayfully engage the locking slot 517.

In example embodiments, each indexing slot 520 and each mounting slot515 may define a slot axis. The set of slot axes defined by the indexingslot(s) 520 and the mounting slot(s) 515 may be mutually parallel. Forexample, a first mounting slot 515 may define a first slot axis that isparallel to a second slot axis defined by a second mounting slot 515and/or an indexing slot 520. In an example embodiment, the mountingslots 515 and/or indexing slots 520 are disposed adjacent the perimeterof the back portion 510. For example, in one embodiment, two mountingslots 515 and two indexing slots 520 are disposed adjacent a first edgeof the perimeter of the back portion 510 and two mounting slots 515 andtwo indexing slots 520 are disposed adjacent an opposite edge of theperimeter of the back portion 510.

In example embodiments, the back portion 510 of the lighting fixture 500may further comprise one or more wire openings 505 configured to allowelectrical connecting wires to pass through the back portion 510. Thewire opening 505 may be configured to allow connecting wires to passtherethrough. In example embodiments, the connecting wires areconfigured to electrically connect the lighting fixture 500 (e.g.,driver circuitry and/or other electrical components of the lightingfixture 500) to a power supply (e.g., line voltage). For example, theconnecting wires may be configured to be secured into electricalcommunication (e.g., with a quick connect connector, wire nuts, and/orthe like) with junction box wires 715 of a junction box 710 and therebyprovide line voltage to the lighting fixture 500.

Exemplary Mounting Plate 401

In example embodiments, a mounting plate 401 may be configured to besecured to a mounting surface 705 about a junction box 710 and have alighting fixture 500 securely suspended therefrom. In exampleembodiments, a mounting plate 410 may be made of aluminum or anothermetal, plastic, or other appropriate material for the application.

In example embodiments, a mounting plate 401 comprises a plate portion410. In example embodiments, the plate portion 410 may be generallyrectangular and/or square. In example embodiments, the plate portion 410is configured to be secured to a mounting surface 705. For example, theplate portion 410 may comprise fastener openings 425 configured toreceive a fastener 430 therethrough to securely mount the mounting plate401 to the mounting surface 705. In example embodiments, the plateportion 410 may further comprise a central opening 405 configured toallow connecting wires and/or junction box wires 715 pass therethrough.In example embodiments, the mounting plate 401 is mounted to themounting surface 705 such that a junction box 710 (e.g., junction boxwires 715) are accessible through the central opening 405. In yet otherembodiments, plate portion 410 may be configured to be secured relativeto a junction box and/or a can light (e.g., via a detachable can lightadapter bracket as discussed in previously mentioned application Ser.No. 14/720,334). In such embodiments, the interior of the can light (andthus electrical connection of the can light) may be accessible via thecentral opening 405 such that the lighting fixture 500 may beelectrically connected to the can light.

In example embodiments, a mounting plate 401 may comprise mounting tabs415 configured for suspending a lighting fixture 500 therefrom. Inexample embodiments, the mounting plate 401 may be configured and/orshaped for engagement and attachment with a lighting fixture 500 and/ora back portion 510. In an example embodiment, a mounting plate 401 maycomprise four mounting tabs 415, with each mounting tab 415 generallydisposed in a corner of the plate portion 410. For example, two mountingtabs 415 may be positioned along a first edge of a perimeter of theplate portion 410 and two mounting tabs 415 may be positioned along anopposite edge of the perimeter of the plate portion 410. The mountingtabs 415 may generally extend outwardly from the plate portion 410. Forexample, the mounting tabs 415 may extend out from the plate portion 410such that the mounting tab 415 extends generally normal and/orperpendicular to a plane defined by the plate portion 410. In exampleembodiments, the mounting tabs 415 may be reinforced such that the anglebetween the plate portion 410 and the mounting tab 415 may bemaintained. For example, a mounting tab 415 may comprise an anglereinforcement 418 configured to maintain the angle between the plateportion 410 and the mounting tab 415.

In example embodiments, a mounting tab 415 may further comprise anelongated portion 419 that defines a plane that is generallyperpendicular with a plane defined by the plate portion 410. In anexample embodiment, the length L of the elongated portion 419 isapproximately 23 mm. In other embodiments, the elongated portion 419 maybe shorter or longer as appropriate for the application. In exampleembodiments, the elongated portion 419 may be reinforced by an elongatedreinforcement 416 configured to prevent the elongated portion 419 frombending or twisting. For example, the elongated reinforcement 416 maydefine a plane that is generally parallel to the plane defined by theplate portion 410. In an example embodiment, the width W of theelongated reinforcement 416 is approximately 4 mm, though other widthsmay be used as appropriate for the application.

In example embodiments, a mounting tab 415 may comprise a lockingportion 417. For example, the locking portion 417 may be a protrusionfrom the elongated portion 419 that extends back toward the plateportion 410. The locking portion 417 may be configured to engage alocking slot 517 of the lighting fixture 500 to securely suspend thelighting fixture 500 from the mounting tab 415. For example, the lockingportion 417 may be configured to engage the locking slot 517 such thatthe mounting tab 415 cannot inadvertently slide back out through themounting slot 515. In example embodiments, the locking portion 417defines the same plane as the elongated portion 419. For example, thelocking portion 417 and the elongated portion 419 of the same mountingtab 415 are co-planar.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D show an alternative embodiment of a mountingsystem 400′ that is similar to mounting system 400 but wherein themounting tabs 415′ are T-posts and the corresponding mounting slots 515′are keyhole shaped. Thus, the mounting tabs 415′ comprise a post portion419′ and a disc portion 417′. The post portion 419′ extends away fromand/or perpendicularly out from the plane defined by the back portion410 of the mounting plate 401′. One end of the post portion 419′ issecured to the back portion 410 and the disc portion 417′ is secured tothe opposite end of the post portion 419′. The disc portion 417′ definesa plane that is generally parallel to the back portion 410.

In the illustrated embodiment, the post portion 419′ is generallycylindrical, though other shapes are contemplated. In the illustratedembodiment, the disc portion 417′ is generally circular, though othershapes are contemplated. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the diameter ofthe disc portion 417′ is larger than the diameter of the post portion419′. In general, the projection of the disc portion 417′ onto a planeparallel to the plane defined by the back portion 410 is larger thanprojection of the end of the post portion 419′ onto a plane parallel tothe plane defined by the back portion 410.

The mounting slot 515′ may be sized such that the disc portion 417′ mayfit therethrough. Once, the disc portion 417′ is through the mountingslot 515′, with a portion of the post portion 419′ within the mountingslot 515′, the mounting tab 415′ may be slid along the locking portion517′ of the mounting slot 515′ such that the post portion 419′ passesthrough the locking portion 517′. The locking portion 517′ is sized suchthat the disc portion 417′ cannot pass there through. For example, thewidth of the locking portion 517′ (e.g., the dimension of the lockingportion 517′ perpendicular to the elongated axis thereof) is smallerthan the diameter of the disc portion 417′. Additionally, the a stopper519′ may be positioned along interior surface of the back portion 510such that once the disc portion 417′ has been slid along the lockingportion 517′ and released by the installer so that the weight of thelighting fixture 500′ is suspended from the disc portions 417′ of themounting plate 401′, the mounting tab 415′ will not be prevented fromsliding along the locking portion 517′ by engagement of the disc portion417′ with the stopper 519′.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show still another embodiment of a mounting system400′r. Mounting system 400′r is similar to mounting system 400′, but thelighting fixture 500 r and the mounting plate 401′r are round.Additionally, the mounting slots 515′r are disposed on the mountingplate 401′r and the mounting tabs 415′r are disposed on the lightingfixture 500 r. In particular, the mounting tabs 415′r are T-postmounting tabs similar to mounting tabs 415′. The mounting slots 515′rare similar to the keyhole mounting slots 515′, but are shaped in anarcuate manner. For example, the keyhole mounting slots 515′r are shapedsuch that the mounting tab 415′r may be positioned through the keyholemounting slots 515′r and then the lighting fixture 500 r may be securedto the mounting plate 401′r by rotating the lighting fixture 500 r suchthat the mounting tabs 415′r rotate along the keyhole mounting slots515′r into the locking portion 517′r of the keyhole mounting slots515′r. For example, a keyhole mounting slots 515′r may define a radialarc of length 5-90 degrees. Thus, the lighting fixture may be rotatedthrough n degrees to secure the lighting fixture 500 r to the mountingplate 401′r, where n degrees is approximately the arc length of themounting slots 515′r. In example embodiments, the mounting plate 401′rmay comprise two, three, four, or more mounting slots 515′r and thelighting fixture 500 r may comprise two, three, four, or morecorresponding mounting tabs 415′r.

Returning to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 11A, 11B, and 11C, in example embodiments,the mounting plate 401 further comprises one or more indexing tab 420.For example, an indexing tab may extend outward from the plate portion410. For example, an indexing tab may define a plane that is generallyperpendicular to a plane defined by the plate portion 410 and exactly orgenerally parallel to a plane formed by the elongated portion 419 of amounting tab 415. In an example embodiment, the mounting plate 401 maycomprise two or more indexing tabs 420 and two or more mounting tabs415. Each indexing tab 520 may define a plane and each elongated portion419 of the mounting tabs 415 may define a plane. The set of planesdefined by the indexing tabs 420 and the elongated portions 419 of themounting tabs 415 may be mutually parallel. For example, a first planedefined by a first indexing tab 420 may be parallel to a second planedefined by a second indexing tab 420 and/or an elongated portion 419 ofa mounting tab 415.

In example embodiments, the indexing tab 420 may be longer than mountingtab 415. For example, an indexing tab 420 may extend further from themounting plate 401. For example, when a lighting fixture 500 is beingsecured to a mounting plate 401, as the lighting fixture 500 is beingmoved toward the mounting plate 401, the indexing tabs 420 will engagethe indexing slots 520 before the mounting tabs 415 engage the mountingslots 515. The indexing tabs 420 may be configured such that aligningthe indexing tabs 420 with the indexing slots 520 causes the lightingfixture 500 to be in the appropriate orientation for the mounting tabs415 to align with the mounting slots 515. Thus, the indexing tabs 420may be configured to aid an installer in securing the lighting fixture500 to the mounting plate 401. In example embodiments, the indexing tabs420 are not configured for suspending the lighting fixture 500 from themounting plate 401. For example, none of the weight of the lightingfixture 500 may rest on or be supported by the indexing tab 420. In anexample embodiment, a mounting frame 100 and lighting fixture 200 may bemodified to include one or more indexing tabs and one or more indexingslots as described herein to aid the installer(s) in aligning the tabs115 with the slots 215.

Alternative Hinged Embodiment

FIG. 13 illustrates another example embodiment of a mounting system 400″comprising a mounting plate 401″ and a lighting fixture 500″. Themounting plate 401″ and lighting fixture 500″ may be similar to themounting plate 401 or 401′ and lighting fixture 500 or 501′ describedabove, however the mounting plate 401″ and lighting fixture 500″ areattached to one another by a hinge 425″ such that the lighting fixture500″ may be attached to the mounting plate 401″ as the mounting plate401″ is being secured to the mounting surface 705 and while theelectrical connection is being made between the connecting wires 507 andthe junction box wires 715.

In an example embodiment, the hinge 425″ comprises one or more hingemounting tabs 415″ and/or one or more hinge indexing tabs 420″. Forexample, the hinge mounting tab 415″ and hinge indexing tab 420″ may beconfigured to provide a slideable hinge attachment that secures thelighting fixture 500″ to the mounting plate 401″ and allows the lightingfixture 500″ to translate along a portion of the axis defined by thehinge 425″. For example, the lighting fixture 500″ may be suspended fromthe mounting plate 401″ by the hinge 425″. For example, the hingemounting tab 415″ and the hinge indexing tab 420″ be shaped such thatthe tabs 415″ and 420″ are held within the corresponding slots 515 and520 while the lighting fixture 500″ is rotated with respect to themounting plate 401″ and about the axis defined by the hinge 425″. Thehinge mounting tab 415″ and the hinge indexing tab 420″ may be furthershaped such that they may slide along the length of the correspondingslots 515 and 520 such that the lighting fixture 500″ may be slide ortranslated in a direction parallel or anti-parallel to the axis definedby the hinge 525″ with respect to the mounting plate 401″. When thelighting fixture 500″ is translated in a direction parallel oranti-parallel to the axis defined by the hinge 525″ with respect to themounting plate 401″ when the mounting tabs 415 are aligned at leastpartially within the mounting slots 515, the mounting tabs 415 mayengage the mounting slots 515 such that the mounting tabs 415 may besecured within the mounting tabs. The relative length of the tabs 415″and 420″ compared to the corresponding slots 515 and 520 will define thedistance the lighting fixture 500″ may be translated along the axisdefined by the hinge 525″ with respect to the mounting plate 401″.

In example embodiments, once the mounting plate 401″ is secured to themounting surface and the electrical connecting between the connectingwires 507 and the junction box wires 715 is secured, the lightingfixture may be rotated about the hinge 425″ such that one or moreindexing tabs 420 on a side of the mounting plate 401″ opposite thehinge 425″ may be aligned with the corresponding indexing slots 520 onthe lighting fixture 500″. The lighting fixture 500″ may be furtherrotated about the hinge 425″ such that the mounting tabs 415″ on theside of the mounting plate 401″ opposite the hinge 425″ are insertedinto the mounting slots 515 of the lighting fixture 500″. In variousembodiments, the hinge 425″ may be configured to allow a singleinstaller to mount the lighting fixture 500″. For example, the hinge425″ may support the weight of the lighting fixture 500″ while anelectrical connection is made between the connecting wires 507 and thejunction box wires 715.

Mounting a Lighting Fixture with a Mounting Plate

FIG. 14 provides a flowchart of various processes and procedures forinstalling a lighting fixture 500 using the mounting system 400.Starting at step 602, the installer(s) may secure the mounting plate 401to the mounting surface 705. For example, an installer may secure themounting plate 401 to the mounting surface 705 with one or morefasteners 430 secured to the surface 705 such that the junction box 710(e.g., the junction box wires 715) are accessible through the centralopening 405. As discussed herein, in certain embodiments, the installermay secure the mounting plate 401 relative to a can light. In suchembodiments, the installer may secure the can light adapter portionrelative to the mounting plate 401, and may secure the can light adapterportion with the secured mounting plate relative to an existing canlight fixture within a support surface. For example, the can lightadapter portion may be configured to snap into can light, as discussedin previously mentioned application Ser. No. 14/720,334.

At step 604, the installer(s) may electrically connect the lightingfixture 500 to a power supply. For example, the installer(s) mayelectrically connect the connecting wires 507 to the junction box wires715 so as to provide line voltage to the driver circuitry and/or otherelectrical components of the lighting fixture 500. For example, theinstaller may electrically connect the connecting wires 507 to thejunction box wires 715 with quick connect connectors, wire nuts, and/orthe like. In example embodiments, the connecting wires 507 may beconfigured such that the portion of the connecting wires that makes theelectrical connection to the junction box wires 715 may be positionedwithin the junction box 710 after the electrical connection has beenmade.

At step 606, the indexing slots 520 are aligned with the indexing tabs420. For example, the installer(s) may align the indexing slots 520 withthe indexing tabs 420. For example, the indexing slots 520 may beengaged by the indexing tabs 420 to place the lighting fixture 500 inappropriate alignment with the mounting plate 401 for securing thelighting fixture 500 to the mounting plate 401.

At step 608, the mounting slots 515 may be aligned with the mountingtabs 415. For example, the installer(s) may check to ensure the mountingslots 515 are aligned with the mounting tabs 415, move the lightingfixture 500 toward the mounting plate 401 such that the mounting tabs415 are generally inserted into the mounting slots 515, and/or the like.In general, alignment and/or engagement of the indexing slot(s) 520 andthe corresponding indexing tab(s) 420 facilitates easy alignment of themounting slots 515 and the mounting tabs 415.

At step 610, the lighting fixture 500 is slid along the mounting tabs415 to secure the lighting fixture 500 to the mounting plate 410. Forexample, the mounting tabs 415 may be inserted into the correspondingmounting slots 515 and the lighting fixture 500 may be slid along themounting tabs 415 until the locking portions 417 engage thecorresponding locking slots 517, thus securing the lighting fixture 500to the mounting plate 401 and the mounting surface 705.

Additional Pivotable Embodiment

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another example embodiment of a mounting system1400 comprising a mounting portion (e.g., mounting plate 1401) and alighting fixture 1500. The mounting plate 1401 and lighting fixture 1500may be similar to the mounting plate 401, 401′, or 401″ and lightingfixture 500, 501′, or 501″ described above, however the mounting plate1401 and lighting fixture 1500 are moveably secured (e.g., slidablysecured, pivotably secured, and/or the like) relative to one another bya mounting arm 1426 extending between a mounting point 1425 of themounting plate 1401 and a light fixture pivot point 1427. In variousembodiments, the mounting arm 1426 may be pivotably secured relative tothe light fixture pivot point 1427 at an arm pivot point definedproximate an end of the mounting arm 1426. In the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 15, the mounting point 1425 is defined within a guide rail 1420defined along an edge of the mounting plate 1401. As will be discussedin greater detail herein, the guide rail may facilitate movement of thelighting fixture 1500 from a disengaged configuration as shown in FIG.15 to an engaged configuration in which the light fixture 1500 issupported at least substantially parallel to and adjacent a supportsurface onto which the mounting plate 1401 is secured. Moreover, asshown in FIG. 15, the light fixture pivot point 1427 may be definedwithin a back portion 1510 of lighting fixture 1500. For example, thelight fixture pivot point 1427 may be defined within a fixture frame1520 extending at least partially around the perimeter of the backportion 1510 of the lighting fixture 1500. As will be discussed ingreater detail herein, at least a portion of the fixture frame 1520 maybe at least substantially parallel and adjacent the guide rail 1420 whenthe lighting fixture 1500 is in the engaged configuration relative tothe mounting plate 1401.

In various embodiments, the mounting arm 1426 may be configured to pivotabout the mounting point 1425 and/or the light fixture pivot point 1427such that the light fixture 1500 may be pivotably moveable relative tothe mounting plate 1401. For example, the mounting arm 1426 may beconfigured to pivot about a first axis extending through the mountingpoint 1425 and/or a second axis extending through the light fixturepivot point 1427. Accordingly, the lighting fixture 1500 may bepivotable about at least one (e.g., two) axis relative to the mountingplate 1401. In various embodiments, the first axis and the second axismay be at least substantially parallel, and may be oriented at leastsubstantially perpendicular to a length of the one or more guide rails1420.

Moreover, in various embodiments, the mounting arm 1426 may bedetachably secured at the mounting point 1425 and/or the light fixturepivot point 1427 (e.g., via one or more fasteners, such as screws,bolts, rivets, and/or the like) such that the light fixture 1501 may bedetachably secured relative to the mounting plate 1401. Accordingly, themounting plate 1401 may be secured relative to a support surface (e.g.,a horizontal support surface such as a ceiling, a vertical supportsurface such as a wall, and/or an angled support surface), a junctionbox, a can light assembly, and/or the like before the lighting fixture1500 is secured relative to the mounting plate 1401.

In various embodiments, the mounting system 1400 may define a slidemechanism such that the lighting fixture 1501 may be slidably securedrelative to the mounting plate 1401. As will be discussed herein, theslide mechanism may enable the lighting fixture 1501 to slide relativeto the mounting plate 1401 such that one or more mounting featuresengages and/or disengages between the lighting fixture 1501 and themounting plate 1401 when moving the lighting fixture 1500 to and/or fromthe engaged configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, themounting arm 1426 may define a slide slot 1428 configured to enable themounting arm 1426 and the lighting fixture 1500 to slide relative to themounting point 1425 and the mounting plate 1401. However, it should beunderstood that the guide rail 1420 and/or the fixture frame 1520 may,in certain embodiments, define the slide slot 1428 to enable thelighting fixture 1500 to slide relative to the mounting plate 1401.

In various embodiments, the slide mechanism may be configured such thatthe lighting fixture 1501 may slide in a direction perpendicular to theone or more pivot axes discussed herein (e.g., axis extending throughthe one or more mounting points 1425 and/or axis extending through theone or more light fixture pivot points 1427). In various embodiments,the slide mechanism may be configured such that the lighting fixture1500 slides relative to the one or more mounting points 1425 and/or theone or more light fixture pivot points 1427, and accordingly thelighting fixture 1500 slides relative to the one or more pivot axes. Forexample, the lighting fixture 1500 (and mounting arm 1426) may beconfigured to slide from a first position in which the mounting points1425 are at a first side of a slide slot 1428 (and accordingly the pivotaxis extending through the mounting points 1425 is located at the firstside of the slide slot 1428) to a second position in which the mountingpoints 1425 are at a second side of the slide slot 1428, opposite thefirst side (and accordingly the pivot axis extending through themounting points 1425 are located at the second side of the slide slot1428).

In various embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 15, themounting system 1400 may comprise a mounting arm 1426 and/or a mountingharness 1150 similar to mounting harness 150 described herein.Collectively, the mounting arm 1426 and the mounting harness 1150 may beconfigured to suspend the lighting fixture 1500 a distance away from themounting plate 1401 to facilitate establishing an electrical connectionbetween lighting fixture connecting wires 1507 and wires of a junctionbox or other power source (not shown) extending through a centralopening 1405 of the mounting plate 1401.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15, the mounting plate 1401 may comprise oneor more mounting catches 1430 configured to engage one or morecorresponding fixture catches 1530 of the lighting fixture 1500. Invarious embodiments, the mounting catches 1430 may comprise one or moresupport plates configured to engage and/or support the fixture catches1530. The support plates may each be fixed relative to the mountingplate 1401 via one or more standoff portions configured to support thesupport plate at a distance away from a surface of mounting plate 1401.In various embodiments, the support plate and standoff portion may forma substantially “L” shape secured relative to the mounting plate 1401 atthe top portion of the “L.” Accordingly, the standoff portions may besecured proximate an end of the support plate.

In various embodiments, the mounting catches 1430 may be embodied as acontinuous portion of the mounting plate 1401 (e.g., a portion of sheetmetal defining the mounting plate 1401), such that a portion of themounting plate 1401 is bent to form the standoff portion and the supportplate. However, it should be understood that the standoff portion and/orthe support plate may be a separate portion secured relative to themounting plate 1401. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15, thestandoff portion may be oriented at least substantially perpendicular tothe mounting plate 1401. The support plate may be oriented at a right oracute angle relative to the standoff portion, such that the fixturecatch 15 is securely supported by the support plate. For example, in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 15, the support plate is oriented at anacute angle relative to the standoff portion, such that the fixturecatch 1530 is biased toward the standoff portion when supported by themounting catch 1430.

In various embodiments, the mounting catch 1430 may be flexible and/orelastic and configured to bias a lighting fixture 1500 toward a supportsurface against which the mounting plate 1401 is secured. For example,as a fixture catch 1530 is being inserted into the mounting catch 1430,the mounting catch 1430 may be configured to flex away from mountingplate 1401 to accommodate the movement of the fixture catch 1530 ontothe support plate (e.g., between the support plate and the mountingplate 1401). The mounting catch 1430 may be configured to apply a returnforce attempting to return the mounting catch 1430 toward its unflexedorientation, thereby biasing the fixture catch 1530, and therefore thelighting fixture 1500, toward the mounting plate 1401 and/or the supportsurface.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15, the support plate may define an entryedge opposite the standoff. The entry edge may be configured tofacilitate movement of a portion of the fixture catch 1530 onto thesupport plate of the mounting catch 1430. For example, the entry edgemay be angled relative to the remainder of the support plate to guidethe portion of the fixture catch 1530 onto the support plate of themounting catch 1430. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.15, the entry edge may be angled away from the mounting plate 1401 suchthat the fixture catch 1530 may be guided toward the mounting plate 1401and onto the support plate of the mounting catch 1430 when the lightingfixture 1500 is moved toward the engaged configuration.

In various embodiments, the mounting catch 1430 may comprise one or morelocking features configured to maintain the fixture catch 1530 withinthe mounting catch 1430 when inserted therein. The locking features maybe embodied as one or more stoppers (e.g., bumps, protrusions, and/orthe like) disposed on a surface of the support plate, one or more clips,and/or the like). For example, the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15incorporates one or more bumps extending from a surface of the supportplate. The bumps extending from a surface of the support plate impedethe fixture catch 1530 from sliding off of the mounting catch 1430.Moreover, in embodiments in which the mounting catch 1430 biases thefixture catch 1530 toward the mounting plate 1401, the locking features(e.g., bumps) may further impede movement of the fixture catch 1530 outof the mounting catch 1430 by increasing the required force necessary toovercome the biasing force of the mounting catch 1430.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the fixture catch 1530 may comprise an atleast substantially “U”-shaped plate secured relative to the backportion 1510 of the lighting fixture 1500. The fixture catch 1530 maycomprise a catch plate supported between two eye-standoffs configured toposition the catch plate at a distance away from the back portion 1510of the lighting fixture 1500. In various embodiments, the fixture catch1530 may be secured relative to the back portion 1510 via one or morefasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, adhesives, and/or the like).

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the fixture catch 1530 isconfigured to fit around the support plate of the mounting catch 1430such that the fixture catch 1530 is supported by the mounting catch1430. Moreover, in various embodiments, a leading edge of the catchplate (e.g., the edge of the catch plate oriented to engage the mountingcatch 1430 first) may be angled away from the back portion 1510.Accordingly, the leading edge of the catch plate may be configured tofacilitate movement of the catch plate onto the support plate to engagethe fixture catch 1530 with the mounting catch 1430. Moreover, invarious embodiments, the trailing edge of the catch plate (e.g., theedge opposite the leading edge) may be angled toward the back portion1510. Accordingly, the trailing edge of the catch plate may beconfigured to impede unintentional movement of the catch plate off ofthe support plate. For example, when the fixture catch 1530 is engagedwith the mounting catch 1430, the trailing edge of the catch plate maybe configured to engage one or more locking features of the mountingcatch 1430 to impede unintentional movement of the lighting fixture 1500relative to the mounting plate 1401.

In various embodiments, the fixture catch 1530 may have any of a varietyof shapes. For example, the fixture catch 1530 may have an “L” shapecorresponding to the shape of the mounting catch 1430 such that thefixture catch 1530 and the mounting catch 1430 interlock. In yet anotherembodiment, the fixture catch 1530 may have an “L” shape and themounting catch 1430 may have an at least substantially “U” shapeconfigured to engage the “L” shaped fixture catch 1530. It should beunderstood that any of a variety of fixture catch 1530 and mountingcatch 1430 configurations may be utilized in which the fixture catch1530 is configured to engage the mounting catch 1430 to secure thelighting fixture 1500 in a secured configuration.

Various embodiments of the lighting fixture 1500 may be installed in amanner similar to that described herein. In various embodiments,installation of the lighting fixture 1500 may begin by securing themounting plate 1401 relative to a support surface, a Jbox, a canisterlight (e.g., utilizing a can light retrofit bracket such as thatdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/720,334, filed May 22,2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Forexample, the mounting plate 1401 may be secured to the support surfacevia one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, nails, wall anchors,adhesive, and/or the like). In specific example embodiments, themounting plate 1401 may be secured directly to the support surface viathe one or more fasteners such that the mounting plate 1401 is securedand remains parallel and adjacent to the support surface.

In embodiments in which the lighting fixture 1500 is not previouslysecured relative to the mounting plate 1401 (e.g., via mounting harness1150 and/or mounting arm 1426), the lighting fixture 1500 is securedrelative to the mounting plate 1401. An electrical connection is thenestablished between connecting wires 1507 and junction box wires.Thereafter, the lighting fixture 1500 is pivoted about mounting point1425 and/or lighting fixture pivot point 1427 such that a back portion1510 is at least substantially parallel with support surface and the oneor more fixture catches 1530 are aligned with corresponding mountingcatches 1430. With reference to FIG. 15, the lighting fixture 1500 ismoved in the direction of the illustrated curved directional arrow fromthe illustrated position toward the support surface. The lightingfixture 1500 is then slid relative to mounting plate 1401 along a slidemechanism (e.g., slide slot 1428 within mounting arm 1426) such that thefixture catches 1530 are moved at least substantially linearly towardcorresponding mounting catches 1430 until fixture catches 1530 areengaged with corresponding mounting catches 1430. As discussed herein,as the lighting fixture 1500 is slid relative to mounting plate 1401, atleast a portion of fixture frame 1520 may slide adjacent guide rail 1420such that the lighting fixture 1500 is guided along a substantiallylinear travel path. Moreover, as discussed herein, mounting catches 1430may be configured to bias engaged fixture catches 1530 toward thesupport surface, such that the lighting fixture 1500 is positionedadjacent the support surface.

Although light fixture 1500 is discussed herein as being mountedrelative to a mounting plate 1401, it should be understood that invarious embodiments, the light fixture 1500 may be secured relative to amounting frame similar to those discussed herein. In such embodiments,the mounting frame may comprise one or more features discussed herein inreference to mounting plate 1401 to enable mounting of the lightingfixture 1500.

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A mounting system for mounting a lightingfixture, the mounting system comprising: a mounting portion located in afirst plane and configured to be secured relative to a mounting surface;a lighting fixture movably secured relative to the mounting portion; anda mounting arm located in a second plane and extending between amounting point of the mounting portion and a pivot point of the lightingfixture, the mounting arm having a slide slot defined therein, themounting arm securing the lighting fixture relative to the mountingportion, the second plane being different than the first plane, theslide slot extending in the second plane, the mounting arm beingpivotable about a rotation axis oriented parallel to the first plane andperpendicular to the second plane, wherein: the lighting fixture isslidably movable, via the slide slot, relative to the mounting portion;and the lighting fixture is pivotably movable about the rotation axis,via a portion of the slide slot defining the mounting point.
 2. Themounting system of claim 1, wherein: the lighting fixture is pivotableabout a first axis relative to the mounting portion when in a disengagedconfiguration that involves the lighting fixture being disengaged fromthe mounting portion; and the lighting fixture is slidable relative tothe mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. 3.The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture is slidablerelative to the mounting portion in a direction substantially parallelto the mounting surface.
 4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein themounting portion is pivotably secured at a first end of the at least onemounting arm and the lighting fixture is pivotably secured at a secondend of the at least one mounting arm.
 5. The mounting system of claim 4,wherein the mounting portion is further slidably secured at the firstend of the at least one mounting arm.
 6. The mounting system of claim 4,wherein the lighting fixture is secured relative to the mounting portionby at least one mounting harness.
 7. The mounting system of claim 1,wherein the lighting fixture is detachably secured relative to themounting portion.
 8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein themounting portion is configured to be secured to at least one of thesupport surface, a junction box secured within the support surface, or acan light secured within the support surface.
 9. The mounting system ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting portion is configured to bias the lightingfixture toward the support surface when the lighting fixture and themounting portion are engaged relative to tone another.
 10. The mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises one or moremounting catches that are one or more locking features configured tobias the lighting fixture into engagement with the mounting portion. 11.The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion defines atleast one guide rail, and wherein the lighting fixture is slidable alongthe guide rail relative to the mounting portion.
 12. The mounting systemof claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is selected from a mountingplate or a mounting frame.
 13. The mounting system of claim 1, whereinthe lighting fixture is generally rectangular.
 14. A method for mountinga lighting fixture relative to a support surface, the method comprisingthe steps of: securing a mounting portion positioned in a first planerelative to a support surface; pivoting a lighting fixture securedrelative to the mounting portion from a first position to a secondposition at least substantially parallel to the support surface; andsliding the lighting fixture relative to the mounting portion from thesecond position to a third position in which a portion of the lightingfixture is engaged with a corresponding portion of the mounting portion,wherein: the lighting fixture is movably secured relative to themounting portion via a mounting arm that is positioned in a second planedifferent from the first plane and that extends between a mounting pointof the mounting portion and a pivot point of the lighting fixture, themounting arm comprises a slide slot extending in the second plane, viawhich the pivoting and sliding of the lighting fixture is provided, andthe mounting arm is pivotable about a rotation axis oriented parallel tothe first plane and perpendicular to the second plane.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising steps for electrically connecting thelighting fixture with a power source.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein: pivoting the lighting fixture relative to the mounting portioncomprises pivoting the lighting fixture about a first axis; and slidingthe lighting fixture relative to the mounting portion comprises slidingthe lighting fixture in a direction at least substantially perpendicularto the first axis.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising stepsfor securing the lighting fixture relative to the mounting portion. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein securing the lighting fixture relativeto the mounting portion comprises steps for securing the at least onemounting arm to the mounting portion.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein securing the mounting portion relative to the support surfacecomprises at least one of: securing the mounting portion to the supportsurface via one or more fasteners, securing the mounting portion to ajunction box secured within the support surface, or securing themounting portion to a can light secured within the support surface.